The Southwest Florida Historical Society announces its 2026 Annual Cracker Dinner Fundraiser. This year’s program, titled “Calusa, Creeks, and Crackers: 500 Years of Cattle History in South Florida,” will be held Saturday evening, March 21st at Marion Hall, St. Cecilia Catholic Community, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers.
The event begins with a catered barbecue dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., followed by the featured program at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited.
Florida’s cattle industry traces its roots back more than five centuries, beginning with Ponce de Leon’s 1521 expedition. From open range and unclaimed herds to cow-hunters, cow towns, and cattle barons, this often-overlooked chapter of Florida history shaped the region and its people. This year’s Cracker Dinner program explores that legacy and the cowboy traditions that remain alive in South Florida today.
Our featured speakers include Clint Raulerson, a fifth-generation cattleman, former PRCA bullfighter, poet, and author of “Cowboy Legacy – A Lifetime in the Saddle.” Raulerson currently serves as General Manager of Cattle Operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Joining him will be archaeologist Theresa Schober, former Museum Manager of the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch and co-founder of the Immokalee Cattle Drive and Jamboree through the Collier County Museum system.
Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased online at https://swflhistoricalsociety.org/ or https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cracker-dinner
Proceeds from the fundraiser support the mission of the Society. For additional information or assistance, please call 239-939-4044.
About the Southwest Florida Historical Society
The Southwest Florida Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public interest in—and appreciation of—the history of Southwest Florida. The Society supports education and preservation initiatives that help share the region’s stories with residents and visitors. Learn more at https://swflhistoricalsociety.org.
